U.S. Navy Veteran Files E-Cigarette Lawsuit in Texas

A former Navy SEAL has filed a products liability lawsuit against an electronic cigarette manufacturer after the battery in his vaporizer allegedly exploded in his pocket, leaving him with severe damage to his right thigh.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was burned in an e-cigarette explosion, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.

What’s the problem?

May 15, 2017 – The complaint was filed by Plaintiff Matthew Bonestele, who claims an e-cigarette battery exploded in his right pants pocket, causing third degree burns and a severe laceration to his right thigh.

The suit was filed in Texas against LG Chem America, Inc. and Great Vapes, LLC, alleging that the e-cigarette battery was defectively designed and manufactured. The device was distributed by Lightfire Group, LLC. and sold to Bonestele by Great Vapes, LLC.

The incident occurred on April 21, 2016, when Bonestele’s LG Chem HG2 18650 battery allegedly exploded, causing third degree burns on — and severely lacerating — most of his right thigh.

This is not the first incident in which a U.S. veteran has been injured by exploding e-cigarette batteries. Tim Jensen, an Army veteran from Alabama, also had a vape battery explode in his right pocket last year. He suffered second and third degree burns to his hands and legs, and had to receive 60 staples and skin grafts.

The Navy banned e-cigarettes from its vessels last month after several reports emerged of exploding vapes injuring sailors. There were at least 15 incidents related to the devices from October 2015 to June 15, 2016, which resulted in either injuries or damage, according to the Navy Times.

Do I Have an E-Cigarette Class Action Lawsuit?

The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in e-cigarette lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new vape explosion cases in all 50 states.

Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you harmed by an electronic cigarette, vape or other smoking device, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.